MS SC628

Recognizes Sharman Bridges Smith, Executive Director of the Mississippi Library Commission, upon her retirement and commends her legacy of public service to Mississippi's library system.

Smith led the Mississippi Library Commission through economically difficult years, worked with libraries affected by Hurricane Katrina, and oversaw development of an accreditation program for Mississippi public library systems.

Prior to her Mississippi position, Smith served as State Librarian of Iowa for nine years, securing a $2.5 million grant for a library information network and directing a $20 million restoration of the State Library Building.

The Mississippi Library Commission receives approximately $12 million in state aid annually, with 81% passed to local libraries for employee salaries, health insurance, and statewide electronic databases like MAGNOLIA.

Requests the resolution be presented to Smith, forwarded to the Mississippi Library Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.